In georgia tour assure russias neighbors president barack

July 6th, 2010|Josh Hudson
State

I came to Georgia with a clear message from President Obama and myself The United States is steadfast in its commitment to Georgias sovereignty and territorial integrity, Clinton said at a briefing with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili.

The White House consistently urges Russia to comply with the ceasefire that ended the 2008 war, including ending the occupation and withdrawing Russian troops from South Ossetia and Abkhazia to their pre-conflict positions, she said.

Hours later in Moscow, Putinwithout mentioning Clinton or the United States by name — took issue.

Some believe it is occupied and some believe it has been liberated, he said in televised remarks to reporters.

Putin also suggested Georgia should not look to the United States to solve its problems.

One shouldnt seek a solution on the side, he said.

Along with support, Clinton warned Georgia against provoking the Kremlin or letting itself be goaded. The United States appears to be mindful of the tension that led to warand of concerns the previous administrations enthusiastic support for Saakashvili may have emboldened him to take on Moscow.

I would strongly urge that Georgia not be baited or provoked into any action that would give any excuse to the Russians to take any further aggressive movements, she said.

Clinton also urged Saakashvili to do more to bolster democracy, suggesting the best way to coax the separatist provinces back into the fold would be through powerful political and economic improvements.

The United States will do everything we can to assist our partners, inside and outside the Georgian government, as they strive to strengthen democratic institutions and processes, Clinton said.

A staunch U.S. ally, the American-educated Saakashvili said initial concerns had faded and Georgia was convinced the reset was being done the right way … not just changing relations with Russia at the expense of others.

EMBRACING RUSSIA

Echoing Washingtons argument for embracing Russia more warmly than during the previous U.S. administration, when ties were badly frayed, Saakashvili expressed confidence the reset would ultimately lead to a more modern, more open Russia.

Thats only good for all of us around it, he said.

In August 2008, Russia crushed a Georgian assault on South Ossetia, launched after days of clashes between Georgian and rebel forces and years of tension between Moscow and Tbilisi.

Russia strengthened its control over South Ossetia and Abkhazia after the war and has signed deals with the regionswhich it calls independent nations — to build permanent military bases.

We consider such construction to be in contradiction to Russias 2008 ceasefire commitments, Clinton said.

She criticized Russias invasion and ongoing occupation of Georgian territory.

Asked how and when the issue might be resolved, Clinton gave no concrete blueprint or timeline, suggesting all Georgia can do is build up as a democratic, economically thriving nation.

Whether its in months or years, its important for Georgia to continue its modernization reform efforts, she said.

Russias conflict with Georgia caused the worst rift with the West since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. It also led some U.S. officials to question Saakashvilis judgment and the wisdom of the Bush administrations staunch support.

Washington has since sounded less eager to grant Georgia NATO membershipa prospect that analysts have cited as fuelling Russias actions in the 2008 war.

Clintons trip also took her to Ukraine, Poland, Armenia and Azerbaijanall ex-Soviet republics or satellites.

Clinton told Ukraine that NATOs door remained open, and in Poland witnessed the signing of a pact which allows the United States and Poland to carry out plans to station U.S. missile interceptors on Polish soil.

Writing by Conor Humphries and Steve Gutterman Editing by Michael Roddy source